Understanding Black August
Black August is a month-long observance that honors our struggles, resistance, and resilience in the United States. Originating in the California penal system in the 1970s, Black August commemorates the lives of George Jackson, his brother Jonathan Jackson, and other revolutionaries who fought against systemic oppression and racial injustice.
The Significance of Black August
Black August is more than a remembrance of past events; it is a period of reflection, learning, and community building. It emphasizes the importance of understanding Black history, acknowledging the ongoing struggle for justice, and fostering unity within the Black community. The month is marked by various activities, including fasting, studying Black history, organizing educational events, and supporting movements that work towards racial justice.
How Can You Celebrate Black August?
Curate a Special Menu: Feature dishes celebrating Black culinary traditions. Highlighting recipes with roots in African, Caribbean, and Southern cuisines pays tribute to Black culture.
Collaborate with Black Chefs and Farmers: Partner with and buy from Black chefs, farmers, and suppliers to help support Black-owned businesses. Hosting events with friends, guest chef nights, or farm-to-table events can create a platform for Black culinary talents to shine. Our next Fried Chick’n & Champagne event is in September, highlighting the local and national talents of our people.
Host Educational Events: Organize workshops, cooking classes, or panel discussions exploring Black August's history and significance. Inviting local historians, activists, or community leaders to speak can provide valuable insights and foster a deeper understanding of the day and its history.
Support Black-Owned Businesses: Use your platform to spotlight and collaborate with your favorite Black-owned businesses in your community. This can include sourcing ingredients from Black-owned farms, featuring products from Black-owned brands, or hosting pop-up markets that showcase local Black entrepreneurs.
Community Engagement and Giving Back: Dedicate a portion of your proceeds to organizations that support our community and our causes. Hosting fundraising events, donating to bail funds, or sponsoring educational programs are all ways to put our money where our mouths are.
Promote Awareness Through Art and Music: Incorporate art and music that reflects the spirit of Black August into your daily routine.
Share Stories and History: Use social media channels to share stories, historical facts, and educational content about Black August. Highlighting the contributions and struggles of Black activists can help raise awareness and encourage your audience to learn more about this important observance.
Read More: Reading more about the Black Power Movement and studying non-fiction works from that era, allows us to learn of not only our struggles during that time but also the solutions and sacrifices that were used to get us to this point.
Conclusion
Black August is a powerful reminder of our people's resilience and strength. By celebrating this observance, restaurants can honor Black history, support Black-owned businesses, and foster a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Stop by Ruby’s this month to support Black-owned and operated businesses.
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